Page 58 of Trust

It turns out that making another human happy was damn powerful medicine for a battered soul. Lifting Olivia into his arms, he held her tightly. “Just the beginning, babe.” Of what specifically, he couldn’t say. But dammit, he wanted a couple more chances at being the one who made her smile.

He looked up as the wheel slowly made a second revolution. “This is a good start.”

“Forget good; this is freaking amazing.” She slid down his frame. “We could have this ready for the upcoming lake run and wow the town.”

“The what?”

“Every year, a group of near maniacal fitness weirdos runs around the lake. People sponsor the freaks of nature, and, the more laps completed, the more money earned. All the proceeds are used for the daycare programs at the elementary schools, which is obviously a win for everyone involved.”

“And how does our poor old ride figure in all that nonsense?”

Olivia slapped his chest. “Sir, where are your capitalist tendencies?”

“Not sure I possess any since I’ve worked for chicken feed for longer than I care to admit.” He watched her eyes narrow. “Do you have an opinion about that?”

“My goodness, of course, I do. How can a warrior not be paid top dollar?”

“Welcome to Spec Ops, babe. It’s not a money-making gig.”

“That is horrific and a tragedy.”

“Not really.” He reluctantly stepped away from her touch and flipped the switch, hearing a sound he didn’t care for. “I did get to live out every dream of glory and honor, after all.”

Olivia pursed her lips. “Well, I suppose there isn’t a price tag you can put on something like that.”

“Exactly.”

“Anyway, we need to bilk our generous townsfolk out of their spare change and charge for a ride on,” she waved her hand, “this beauty.”

Zane ran his hand over his neck. “Exactly how long do we have before this happens?”

“Two weeks.”

He glanced at the passenger gondolas. “Lots to accomplish.”

“Together, it’s completely doable.” She lifted herself and kissed him soundly. “We’ll have to cut down on our dirty afternoon escapades, but it’s worth it.”

He shifted his hips and liked the resulting smile. “Are you sure that’s something we’re capable of?”

“Yes,” she said with a groan. “We’ll just double down in the evening.”

“I like the way you think, woman.”

Olivia stepped back and retied her bow. “Of course you do. Since so much of what I spend my time deliberating about is what I’d like to try next.” She grabbed his hand. “All I ask is that you don’t make me a fool.”

“How did we go from sexy escapades to me screwing up so quickly?”

She flapped her hands. “I’m putting it out there, just in case.”

“Believe it or not, I’m trying my best. I want you happy, not pissed off and planning my demise.”

“I know you believe that, but you may decide that your earlier assessment was accurate at some point.”

Not caring for the turn the conversation had taken, he moved closer. “Meaning?”

“Your hermitty life may ultimately be more alluring than taking me on. Hanging out with someone isn’t always easy. There are the inevitable misunderstandings and hurt feelings.”

“You think I’m gonna spook again, don’t you? Leave you vulnerable?”

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